23/11/2025
With Onana loaned out, No.24 is vacant – Man Utd could give it to Semenyo
Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo continues to be linked with a winter move to Manchester United, who have an enticing gift ready to bestow upon the player.
Manchester United have an ace in the hole that could help them land Antoine Semenyo during the January transfer window. And it's the kind of subtle gesture that could end up being the difference in whether they successfully negotiate a deal for the Bournemouth ace.
Semenyo, 25, is being increasingly linked with a mid-season switch to Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim already made significant changes in attack over the summer but it's believed United are very interested in adding Semenyo to that assortment.
The Ghana international is in demand after scoring six goals and recording three assists in only 11 Premier League games this season. But United will hope to turn his head with the promise of his preferred No. 24 shirt being ready on arrival.
Semenyo has worn the No. 24 throughout his three-year stay at the Vitality Stadium. He previously played with the No. 42 at clubs like Bristol City, Sunderland and Newport County, though the exact significance of those numbers remains unknown.
What's more clear is how United would make the shirt available to their target despite the fact it's already occupied. Not by anyone currently at Old Trafford, however, given incumbent Andre Onana is spending the season on loan at Trabzonspor.
Given the goalkeeper's current standing at the Theatre of Dreams, it would be no grievance for the club to relieve Onana of the jersey. Especially if it would help them land one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League at present.It doesn't look as though Onana faces much of a future with United after his reputation tumbled following a series of errors. And the Cameroonian's place is even more precarious in light of Senne Lammens' success so far under Amorim.
The summer signing from Royal Antwerp has looked like a bargain in United colours. So much so that £43.4million man Onana already looks surplus to requirements.
Semenyo's January availability has become a major talking point after it emerged the player has a £65m release clause in the Bournemouth contract he signed over the summer.
However, United fans may be disappointed to learn they aren't highly thought of when it comes to the clubs expected to compete for Semenyo's signature, with the Athletic reporting that Liverpool and Manchester City lead the pursuit.
